Veteran from Easton receives war medals from 33-year career

EASTON, Maine — Douglas Henderson, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, knew he had earned a number of medals during his time of service.

However, he never got around to collecting them until earlier this month.

With assistance from 2nd District U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, Henderson was able to receive his medals framed and ready to hang on the wall of his home just in time for Memorial Day.

During a visit to his Presque Isle office on May 16, Michaud — who was in town to speak at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s commencement ceremony — presented Henderson with his military service medals.

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Henderson said Tuesday that he simply had not collected the medals he earned during his 33 years in the military but decided it was time to do so.

“It was a nice day,” Henderson said of the brief ceremony at Michaud’s office. “I wanted the medals all together at one time, and now I have them hanging on the wall.”

Henderson received the Soldiers Medal; Bronze Star Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster; Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster; Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with one silver service star; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with device.

Michaud lauded Henderson for his time in the military.

“It was an honor to be able to present Douglas Henderson with his much-deserved medals,” he said. “His commitment to public service and the sacrifices he made for our country represent what is best in Maine and our nation.”

Henderson said he entered the Army in 1949 and retired from the military in 1982 as a lieutenant colonel.

The Easton resident said he was happy to receive the commendations after all of these years.

“This completes the circle,” he said as he reflected on his time in the military.